What is the difference betweeen a Bravo 3 and a penta SX drive?

[iamthunderman]

Total newbie right here. What are the differences with these drives? Could someone explain what they are? I am looking at a 22.5 Glastron with a 5.0 volvo penta sx drive.

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: What is the difference betweeen a Bravo 3 and a penta SX drive?

What is the difference betweeen a Bravo 3 and a penta SX drive?

Ayuh,... The Bravo 3 is a Mercruiser drive,+ is painted Black....
A Volvo- Penta SX is a Volvo drive,+ is painted Grey or White...

 

[Maclin]

Re: What is the difference betweeen a Bravo 3 and a penta SX drive?

A Merc Bravo 3 is their version of a dual prop model. Volvo has dual prop models, they are called DuoProp and have DP as the first two letters like DPR, DPS, DPX. Volvo SX is always a single prop drive like a Merc Bravo 1 or2.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: What is the difference betweeen a Bravo 3 and a penta SX drive?

If your question is which drive is better then you are going to find people on both sides of the aisle. I personally prefer Volvo but at least the Bravo has the cone clutch like the Volvo has. If you were looking at a Volvo and a merc Alpha, then there is no comparison...the Volvo wins hands down.

As far as the difference between a single prop and a dual prop, I really like the dual prop drives...I have the Volvo version. Gets up on plane very fast. Only problem is that you have two props to hit and, at least on my Volvo, they are $1200 for the pair.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: What is the difference betweeen a Bravo 3 and a penta SX drive?

First you have to start with the similiarities.

Both drive use a "cone clutch" type shifting mechanism that is located in the upper half of the outdrive.

Now the differences:
Bravo 3 is a dual prop design (originated in this industry by Volvo Penta) that uses a hollow propshaft around a solid prop shaft in the lower unit. The props spin opposite directions from each other (The blades are reversed, so both props push water the same direction, though).
The Volvo Penta SX is a single prop design.

Advantages of a dual prop design are:
Quicker planing
Lower speed needed to hold plane
Less "blow out" in tight turns
Better handling in reverse (boat will turn either direction)
Possibly better mpg at cruising speed
Less "Deep V wander" at no wake speeds

Disadvantages to dual prop designs:

Initial cost
Repair cost
Propsets are expensive (No aftermarket props, Mercruiser only uses stainless steel on the B3)
Lower top speed (if all other things are equal, about 1-3mph)
Increased corrosion risk (Especially on a Bravo 3)

Hope that helps.